a cordial discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

"a cordial discussion" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a conversation in which the participants are being polite and friendly. For example: "The members of the board held a cordial discussion to resolve their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I expected a cordial discussion.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a cordial discussion".

The New York Times - Sports

David Axelrod, Mr. Obama's senior adviser, called it "a cordial discussion".

The New York Times

After a cordial discussion about the duties she would inherit, Jarrett thanked Jackson and left the building.

The New York Times

The president said he'd be glad to meet with her again, but did note that after their last meeting, a cordial discussion in the Oval Office, the governor inaccurately described the meeting in her book.

The New York Times

Apparently they had a cordial discussion.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In that event, also televised by NY1 News, the four Democrats and the Republican candidate, Ms. Pirro, appeared one at a time in three cities throughout the state in a largely cordial discussion.

The New York Times

Tony and I have obviously had some differences at different times, but we have been and always will be able to have a very cordial discussion," Turnbull said.

The Guardian

What followed was a surprisingly cordial discussion.

Huffington Post

George Clooney had a fairly cordial discussion with Watters, but snapped at him when he asked if "Obama" was doing a good job.

Huffington Post

"The university wasn't doing anything illegal," said Ozge Ersoy, one of scores of Istanbul art professionals who objected to the sale and helped generate scrutiny of it, along with a wider — and by all accounts cordial — discussion of the management of cultural patrimony.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cordial discussion" when you want to emphasize the politeness and friendliness of a conversation, especially in contexts where disagreements might otherwise escalate.

Common error

Avoid using the term "cordial" to mask a lack of meaningful engagement or substantive discussion. A truly cordial discussion involves not just politeness, but also genuine listening and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cordial discussion" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing the nature of interactions between people or groups.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cordial discussion" is a noun phrase used to describe a conversation characterized by politeness and friendliness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Although found most frequently in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While synonyms like "a friendly conversation" and "a polite debate" exist, "cordial" emphasizes a specific tone of respect and goodwill. When employing this phrase, ensure it reflects genuine engagement rather than masking a lack of substance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a friendly conversation

Emphasizes the amicable nature of the exchange, focusing on the warmth between participants.

a warm conversation

Emphasizes the positive and comforting atmosphere of the conversation.

a respectful exchange

Highlights the courteous manner in which participants treated each other's views.

an amicable exchange

Suggests a mutual willingness to cooperate and find common ground during the conversation.

a civil discourse

Implies a structured and respectful dialogue, often in a more formal setting.

a harmonious dialogue

Stresses the agreement and lack of conflict during the exchange of ideas.

a polite debate

Highlights the respectful exchange of differing viewpoints, even if disagreements exist.

a gracious interaction

Focuses on the politeness and refinement displayed during the communicative process.

a good-natured debate

Indicates that disagreements occurred without animosity or ill will.

a pleasant chat

Downplays the seriousness of the conversation, suggesting a lighthearted and enjoyable interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "a cordial discussion" in a sentence?

You can use "a cordial discussion" to describe a friendly and polite conversation, like: "The diplomats engaged in "a cordial discussion" to resolve the border dispute."

What's a good alternative to "a cordial discussion"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a friendly conversation", "a polite debate", or "an amicable exchange".

Is "cordial discussion" formal or informal?

"Cordial discussion" sits in a relatively neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts where politeness is valued. Terms like "civil discourse" are more formal, while "pleasant chat" is more informal.

What does it mean when a meeting is described as "a cordial discussion"?

It suggests the participants were polite and respectful to each other during the meeting, even if they had disagreements. It emphasizes the positive and friendly tone of the conversation.